If your child does not return home when you expect them to and you are worried, in the first instance you should try and find out where they are.Contact relatives or friends to see if they have seen them or know where they are. You should also search your property and local area to see if you can locate them. You should also:

Check their bedroom and any other place where your child might be within the house or building

Check the garden, garage, sheds, grounds and surrounding area

Check with their friends, school, neighbours, relatives, work or anyone else who may have any suggestions about where they might be. Ask them to tell you immediately if they hear from the missing person

However, if your child is missing or has run away from home, you must contact the police. Dial 999 in an emergency situation or call your local police force immediately on 101.

If you cannot locate your child following a telephone and physical search then you should report them missing to the police by dialing 101. You do not have to wait 24 hours before reporting them missing.